Entries are now open for the 2026 Melbourne Royal Australian International Spirits Awards (AISA), formally open to international spirits producers for the first time. Distillers, producers and spirit brands of all sizes are invited to enter, with the awards recognising products that exemplify quality, innovation and craftsmanship.
The 2025 edition attracted over 800 entries, with South Australia’s Prohibition Liquor Co taking out the title of Champion Australian Distiller, as well as the Champion Australian Gin trophy, for its Juniperus Gin.
This year participants will have the opportunity to benchmark against international spirits producers, as AISA formally opens to the global field. Melbourne Royal stated the expansion strengthens the depth and diversity of the competition, while providing both Australian and international exhibitors with clear comparative insight into how their spirits perform on the world stage.
Now in its 12th year, the 2026 awards will also introduce a new Gin & Tonic category to offer a more practical measure of product performance. Entries in the category will be judged as a gin and tonic using StrangeLove Tonic Water, prepared to a standardised ratio and served chilled to ensure consistency.
Producers may select from a range of premium mixers to best represent their spirit. By moving beyond neat tasting, the category aims to provide a more accurate reflection of how gin is experienced in market.
Melbourne Royal food & beverage awards senior manager, Kirrily Waldhorn, said opening the Awards to international entries marks an important step forward, giving Australian producers the opportunity to benchmark their spirits against a genuinely global field.
“The introduction of the Gin & Tonic category reflects how gin is most often enjoyed, providing producers and the trade with more relevant insight, while recognising a classic serve that continues to resonate with consumers worldwide.”
Overseeing the awards are newly appointed co-head judges, Sebastian Reaburn and Holly Klintworth, both respected industry leaders with extensive experience and a shared commitment to advancing Australian spirits. Unanimously endorsed by the AISA Industry Advisory Group, the appointments reinforce the integrity of the judging process, with both judges refraining from entering their own products during their tenure.
Entries to the 2026 Melbourne Royal Australian International Spirits Awards are now open, and close 29 May. Judging will take place from 7-9 July. For more information and to enter, visit melbourneroyal.com.au.
